New Delhi: In a series of administrative appointments, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has entrusted Senior IAS officer Sudhansh Pant (IAS:1991:RJ) with the additional charge as Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) and appointed Deepak Soni (IAS:2011:CG) as Director in the Department of Health & Family Welfare, under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS).
Sudhansh Pant Entrusted with Divyangjan Secretary Additional Charge
IAS Pant, currently serving as Secretary, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, has been assigned additional responsibility as Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) during the leave of V Vidyavathi (IAS:1991:KN).
As per the DoPT order dated 9 January 2026, the additional charge will be effective from 12 January 2026 to 20 January 2026. Pant will oversee the Department’s ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering persons with disabilities, ensuring continuity in policy and administrative functions during Vidyavathi’s absence.
Deepak Soni Appointed Director, Health & Family Welfare
In another key appointment, Mr Soni (IAS:2011:CG) has been appointed Director in the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Delhi for a tenure of five years under the Central Staffing Scheme.
The DoPT order dated 9 January 2026 specifies that Soni’s tenure will run from the date he assumes charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier. In his new role, Soni is expected to contribute to policy formulation, administrative coordination, and implementation of health and family welfare initiatives at the central level.
Significance of the Appointments
Mr Pant’s additional charge ensures smooth functioning of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities during the leave period of the incumbent Secretary.
Mr Soni’s appointment strengthens administrative capacity in the Health & Family Welfare Department, a key ministry shaping India’s public health policies.
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